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Remembering Rollin Post

It is with great sorrow that I report the death of my friend and mentor -- political reporter, Rollin Post.

He died Monday at the age of eighty-one after a long and distinguished career. We worked together at three television stations over a span of thirty-three years. First, at KPIX; then here at KQED, where he was a member of the iconoclastic "Newsroom" staff -- and other programs. He then moved to KRON -TV.

Rollin's knowledge of state and local politics couldn't be matched. Known by many as the dean of political newscasters, he was often called on for his opinion on national issues.

He inspired those around him to love and respect what a democratic society offered each individual; the right and obligation to speak out about how we are governed.

He loved the principles behind politics if not always the practice. The UC Berkeley graduate covered nine presidential campaigns and eighteen national conventions.

Work brought us together. We shared little in our backgrounds, but, we did share the same values about the importance of journalism -- and its role in maintaining an open society.

He often put his relationships with key contacts on the line by speaking up for me -- when my race and gender provided road blocks to access.

It was from him that I learned much of what has shaped my career. Rollin Post was a no frills reporter who seldom courted the spotlight, but his reputation was so strong that when the producer of the classic political film the Candidate was being made, starring Robert Redford, he was asked to play himself, the tough questioner.

He had three passions in life, his family, politics and baseball. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years Diane, daughters Lauren and Cynthia and son Kenneth -- as well as five grandchildren.